BY-LAWS
OF FOURTH CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

MAGNA CHARTA OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

"The Magna Charta of Christian Science means much, multum in parvo, — all-in-one and one-in-all. It stands for the inalienable, universal rights of men. Essentially democratic, its government is administered by the common consent of the governed, wherein and whereby man governed by his creator is self-governed. The church is the mouthpiece of Christian Science, — its law and gospel are according to Christ Jesus; its rules are health, holiness, and immortality, — equal rights and privileges, equality of the sexes, rotation in office." Mary Baker Eddy (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 254:21).

ARTICLE I
Name, Tenets, Governance, and Order of Services

Section 1. Name. This Church, a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, (accepted by letter March 13, 1951) shall be known as "Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, New Orleans, Louisiana.”

Section 2. Tenets. The tenets of this Church shall be those of The Mother Church, given in the Christian Science textbook Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.

Section 3. Governance. This church is governed by the Manual of the Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy as it pertains to branch churches and societies.

Section 4. Order of Services. The Order of Services shall be that specified in the Manual, pages 120-127. The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy are its Pastor.

ARTICLE II
Officers, Elections, and Term of Office

Section 1. Officers. The officers of this Church shall consist of a First Reader, a Second Reader, a President, a Board of five Trustees, a Clerk, and a Treasurer.

Officers must be regularly-attending members of this Church for at least six months immediately preceding their election and must be members of The Mother Church. They must audibly accept the position to which elected unless they have previously notified the Clerk of their availability. They shall serve until their successors are installed.

Section 2. Readers. Except as herein after provided, the Readers shall be elected by secret ballot at the triennial meeting of the Church called for this purpose in December. Affirmative votes of two-thirds of those present and voting are necessary to elect. The term of Readership shall be three years if possible. The role of First Reader may be shared by two or more people for the services on Sunday and Wednesday. Readers shall take office the first of March following the election.

Section 3. President. The President shall be elected annually by secret ballot from the membership. A majority of those present and voting shall be necessary to elect. The newly elected President shall assume office on March 1.

Section 4. Board of Trustees. Of the five Trustees, one member shall be elected every third year. In the intervening two years, two members shall be elected each year. All members are elected to serve for a 3-year term. A majority vote of those present and voting shall be necessary to elect. Newly elected Board members shall assume office on March 1.

Elections to the Board shall be by secret ballot, unless otherwise determined by a majority vote of those present.

Four members of the Board constitute a quorum for Board meetings unless specified otherwise in these By-laws.

Section 5. Chair of the Board of Trustees. The Chair of the Board of Trustees and a substitute Chair shall be chosen annually by the Board from its membership.

The substitute Chair shall function as Chair whenever the Chair of the Board of Trustees is unable to do so.

Section 6. Clerk and Treasurer. The Clerk and Treasurer shall be chosen by the Board from the Church membership or Board.

ARTICLE III
Vacancies in Office

Section 1. Vacancies in Office of Readers. If a vacancy of less than a year occurs in the office of Reader, the Board shall appoint one or more Substitute Readers to fill the vacancy.

If a vacancy of a year or more occurs, the Board shall appoint one or more Substitute Readers to fill the vacancy until a replacement is elected at the next membership meeting called for this purpose.

If before taking office, a Reader resigns, then a special meeting of the membership shall be called immediately for the purpose of electing a replacement, who shall take office on March 1.

Section 2. Vacancy in Office of President. If a vacancy of six months or longer occurs in the office of President, the Church shall fill the vacancy by election. If the vacancy be for less than six months, the Board shall appoint.

Section 3. Vacancy on the Board of Trustees. All vacancies occurring on the Board of Trustees shall be filled by this Board from former Board members. The appointed member shall serve until the next membership meeting of the Church, at which time the Church shall elect.

If before taking office, a Board member elected at the annual meeting resigns, a special meeting of the membership shall be called for the purpose of electing his replacement.

Section 4. Vacancy in the Office of Clerk or Treasurer. A vacancy in the office of Clerk or Treasurer shall be filled by the Board.

ARTICLE IV
Qualifications and Duties of Officers

Section 1. Readers. The qualifications and duties of Readers in this Church shall be such as are specified in the Manual of The Mother Church for Readers in branch churches. Readers must be members of The Mother Church (Manual, p. 32:17).

The Readers of this Church shall not use any prescribed commercial or unauthorized prepared lessons ― correlatives, Scriptural readings, benedictions ― for any service. The Readers shall make their own selections through prayer and inspiration, aided by the use of authoritative Bible Concordances and by the authorized Concordance to Science and Health.

The Readers shall prepare the announcements for Sunday and Wednesday services, subject to review by the Board of Trustees.

The Readers shall have charge of all music, instrumental and vocal, for Sunday and Wednesday services, subject to review by the Board of Trustees.

The Readers are responsible for contacting a Substitute Reader if they will be absent from a service. Substitute Readers must be members of The Mother Church and earnest students of Christian Science. There is no required time period of attendance for Substitute Readers.

The Readers for the Sunday and Wednesday services shall determine church closure for voluntary and emergency evacuations, curfews, or other emergencies. The Readers will notify the Clerk and other members and regular attendees if possible.

In accordance with the Manual of The Mother Church, it shall be the duty of the First Reader to enforce the discipline and By-Laws of this Church (Manual p. 32:26).

Section 2. President. The President of this Church shall preside at all membership meetings. In accordance with the Manual of The Mother Church (p. 33:8), the President of this Church shall not be a Reader. In the temporary absence of the President, the Board shall appoint another member of the Church to preside.

Section 3. Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall be the executive body of this Church. It shall transact the business and supervise the activities of this Church.

The Board of Trustees shall appoint annually the Superintendent, officers and teachers of the Sunday School, workers in the Reading Room, organist, soloist, ushers, and others serving this Church, unless otherwise provided for in these By-laws. The Board shall appoint all committees and their chairs.

The Board shall fix all salaries and authorize all expenditures. Any unusual or extraordinary expense shall be submitted to the Church membership for approval.

The Board shall have the financial records of the Church audited on a regular basis and oversee the Finance Committee.

Section 4. Chair of the Board of Trustees. The Chair of the Board of Trustees shall preside at all Board meetings. In the absence of the Chair, the substitute Chair shall preside.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees shall be ex-officio member of all committees.

Section 5. Clerk. The Clerk of this Church shall be custodian of all records and papers; keep correct minutes and attendance of members of all meetings of this Church and the Board of Trustees; receive and submit communications to the Board; issue notices of meetings; conduct correspondence in case of an emergency; keep a roll of the membership of this Church including Mother Church memberships and contact information; provide a roll of members eligible for elections in meetings for this purpose; file any necessary reports with the government; furnish applicants for membership with application blanks and a copy of the By-laws.

Section 6. Treasurer. The Treasurer of this Church shall receive all funds and deposit them in the name of this Church in a bank designated by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall keep correct account of all receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall make a report at Board meetings and at membership meetings.

Section 7. Disbursements. All disbursements shall be made under the direction of the Board by checks signed by the Treasurer or Clerk. If one member fills both offices of Treasurer and Clerk or if there is a need, then additional signatory authority would be provided by the President, members of the Board of Trustees, or Readers.

Section 8. Absence of Duty. Officers of this Church must notify the Board of Trustees a reasonable time in advance of their absence, when such absence interferes with the performance of their duties.

ARTICLE V
Meetings

Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of this Church shall be held near the beginning of the calendar year to elect Board members and a President.

Section 2. Semi-Annual Meeting. The semi-annual meeting shall be held when appropriate.

Section 3. Triennial Meetings. Except as elsewhere provided, the triennial meetings or any other meeting called for the purpose of electing Readers shall be held in December.

Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of this Church shall be called by the Chair at the request of a majority of the Board of Trustees or at the request of one-third of the members of this Church.

Section 5. Notice of Meetings. Notice of Church meetings shall be sent by the Clerk to the members at least one week in advance of the meeting, except in case of an emergency. Members should notify the Clerk as to the best method of contact, whether by postal mail, e-mail, or text.

Section 6. Quorum. One-third of the members shall constitute a quorum unless otherwise specified in these By-laws. 

Section 7. Meetings of the Board of Trustees. Meetings shall be called by the Chair or by the Clerk on request of a majority of the Board.

Section 8. Majority Vote. All actions of this Church and Board of Trustees shall be by a majority vote of the members present and voting, unless otherwise specified in these By-laws.

Section 9. Robert's Rules of Order. The meetings of this Church and Board of Trustees shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order when its requirements are not inconsistent with these By-laws or with the Manual of The Mother Church.

Section 10. Business. Any business of this Church, unless otherwise provided, may be transacted at any meeting.

Section 11. Location of Meetings. Membership meetings shall be held at the physical address of the Church, if possible.

Section 12. No Absentee Voting. Members shall be physically present to participate in the discussion and debate of the meeting and to vote with other church members during the meeting.

Section 13. Meetings by Electronic Means. The Church may hold a meeting by any electronic medium in which all persons participating in the meeting can speak and hear each other. The notice of a meeting by electronic means must state the meeting will be held by electronic means including the directions to participate and all other matters required to be included in the notice. Participation of a person in an electronic meeting constitutes the presence of that person at the meeting.

Meetings of the Board of Trustees and committees may be held in-person or by electronic means.

Membership meetings may be held by electronic means under extraordinary circumstances, and all business may be conducted therein including voting on all matters in these By-Laws.


ARTICLE VI
Order of Business 

Section 1. Regular Meetings. The following Order of Business shall be observed at the regular meetings of this Church.

• Call to order by President.
• Announcement of Quorum
• The meeting may be opened with the singing of a hymn.
• Reading of short selections from the Bible and the works of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy.
• Silent prayer, followed by the audible repetition of the Lord’s Prayer.
• Reading of minutes.
• Report of Chair of the Board of Trustees.
• Reports of officers.
• Reports of committees.
• Communications.
• Unfinished business.
• New business.
• Welfare of the Church.
• Adjournment, preceded by audible repetition of the Scientific Statement of Being or one of the Tenets from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (p. 497) or the Daily Prayer (Manual p. 41:19).
• (If the President so desires, he may read "A Rule for Motives and Acts,” Manual p. 40:4 immediately preceding the election of officers.)

ARTICLE VII
Membership

Section 1. Authority Vested in Membership. The final authority of this Church is vested in the membership, and any action of its officers is subject to the direction and revision of this Church.

Section 2. Qualifications of Applicants for Membership. Applicants for membership in this Church must be sincere students of the Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and other works by Mary Baker Eddy, and must be earnestly striving to demonstrate Christian Science in every circumstance and condition of daily life.

Applicants joining a Christian Science Church for the first time must:
(a) have been studying Christian Science for not less than one year. 
(b) have been regular attendants at services in this church for at least six months immediately preceding application for membership.
(c) present evidence that former church affiliations have been dissolved, if possible.

Section 3. Other Applicants.
(a) Members of our Sunday School, 15 years of age or older, who have been in regular attendance in our Sunday School for two years and are recommended by the present teacher and the superintendent of the Sunday School. No specified period of church attendance required.

(b) Members of The Mother Church who present evidence of their membership in The Mother Church; and who are regular attendants of services of Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, for at least three months immediately preceding application for membership.

(c) Members presenting a letter of dismissal from a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, or a Christian Science Society or members from a church or society that has dissolved. No specified period of attendance required.

(d) Members who upon request were given a letter of dismissal with recommendation from this Church. No specified period of attendance required.

(e) Members who were dropped from the membership roll of Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, and who are again regular attendants of these services for at least three months immediately preceding application for membership. Members who were dropped for disciplinary reasons may apply after three years if they are again regular attendants of these services for at least three months immediately preceding application for membership.

Section 4. Applications. Applications for membership shall be made upon blanks made for that purpose and endorsed by three members in good standing. Applications shall be in the hands of the Board at least 30 days prior to the date of the next membership meeting.

Those endorsing applications must be satisfied with the applicant's fitness to become a member of this Church. 

An applicant will receive a copy of the By-laws to review before meeting with the Membership Committee.

Section 5. Communicating List of Applicants. In order that members may be informed regarding applicants, and that any objection to admitting an applicant to membership may be brought to the attention of the Board of Trustees and promptly investigated, a list of names to be voted upon shall be communicated to each member of this Church at least ten days before the next membership meeting.

Section 6. Objection to Applicants. If objection to any applicant is made, the objection shall be presented in writing to the Board of Trustees at least five days prior to the next membership meeting. It shall be the duty of members making such objections to furnish the Trustees with a written statement setting forth the reasons for such objection. The applicant against whom objection is made may be given a hearing by the Board of Trustees. If the objection is sustained, the name of the applicant will be excluded from the list submitted to the members at the next membership meeting; otherwise, the name of the applicant will be retained and submitted in the list of applicants for acceptance as members.

Section 7. Election of Members. The Membership Committee shall interview all applicants for membership in this Church and make its recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

The names of applicants who are deemed qualified by the Board of Trustees shall be presented to the membership at the next membership meeting to be voted upon at that time. Affirmative votes of two-thirds of those present and voting shall be required to elect a new member.

However, if an applicant is both a member of The Mother Church and presents a letter of dismissal with recommendation from another branch Church of Christ, Scientist, or Christian Science Society, the procedure may be shortened as follows:
(a) After the Membership Committee has interviewed said applicant and has made its recommendation to the Board of Trustees, the Board may, at its discretion, submit the applicant's name in writing, rather than wait for the next membership meeting. If no objections are received in writing after 14 days, the applicant shall be deemed elected.

(b) If there are any written objections, they shall be handled as described in Article VII Membership, Section 6. Whenever any objections have been received in writing, no applicant may be elected until the Board moves to submit the applicant's name to the membership at the next membership meeting for election.

Section 8. Book of Membership. After being elected and duly notified, applicants shall be received into membership upon signing their names in full in the "Book of Membership.”

Section 9. Duties of Members. It is the duty of members of this Church to study the Manual of The Mother Church, abide by its rules, and endeavor to exemplify its teachings in their lives. They shall give their active and unselfish service to this Church, loyally support the Board of Directors of The Mother Church, and the Cause of Christian Science.

It shall be the duty of members to attend Sunday and Wednesday services, contribute to the financial support of the Church, subscribe for and read the Christian Science periodicals, study and observe the By-laws, attend business meetings and vote upon all questions, and abide lovingly by the decisions of this Church. It is the duty of the members of Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, New Orleans, to follow Jesus and our Leader and not criticize, condemn, or judge one another; but to see each other as God’s perfect child by expressing goodness and love.

It is the duty of members to keep the Clerk and Treasurer informed of their correct contact information.

For the purpose of a wholesome and active membership awake to its obligations and privileges, any member who is prevented from attending the services or business meetings of this Church shall at least once each year communicate with the Clerk, Treasurer, or any other church member.

Section 10. Membership Roll. The Clerk shall examine the membership roll of this Church at least once every two years for the purpose of determining the status of non-attending members. The name of any member whose mail has been returned unclaimed for two years, or who has not communicated with this Church during that period shall be presented to the Board of Trustees for any necessary action including dropping from membership. 

Section 11. Letter of Dismissal. If in good standing, the member will receive a written letter of dismissal with recommendation from the Clerk of this Church.

Section 12. Probationary Member. A probationary member may be admitted to full membership at the expiration of the disciplinary term if said member, in the opinion of a majority of the Board of Trustees, has shown during the term of probation sufficient evidence that his or her conduct has become that of a consistent Christian Scientist.

ARTICLE VIII
Discipline

Section 1. Presentation and Disposal of Charges. The Board of Trustees shall take cognizance of charges presented in writing by a member of this Church against another member for conduct unbecoming to a Christian Scientist. The member presenting the charges must be in good standing and shall have complied with the Scriptural requirements as found in Matthew 18:15-17. The accused shall be furnished with a written copy of the charges.

After a full and impartial investigation and hearing, if, in the opinion of the Board, the charges have been proved, the member may be disciplined by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Trustees present and voting.

The member has the right within thirty days to appeal from the decision of the Board of Trustees to the Church membership.

Not less than two weeks' notice of a membership meeting for considering an appeal shall be given. The accused may select two members from the Church membership as counsel, and the Board shall appoint an equal number to represent the Church.

The President shall not be eligible to act as counsel.

When the meeting is called to order, the Clerk, in official capacity, shall move that the action of the Board of Trustees be approved. This motion shall be open for discussion, after which it shall be put to a vote. The affirmative vote by written ballot of the majority of the members present and voting shall be necessary to sustain the action of the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. Investigation of Conduct. The Board of Trustees, upon its own initiative, may investigate the conduct of any member whose conduct has been brought into question, and take such action as the facts may warrant. No action harmful to the standing of such member shall be taken until the member is given written notice thereof and an opportunity to be heard.

Section 3. Removal from Office. Any officer elected by this Church may, at any meeting of this Church, be removed from office by a majority vote of the members present and voting as provided in Article VIII Discipline, Section 1. Voting shall be by secret ballot.

At any meeting, the Board of Trustees may, by a majority vote of those present and voting, remove from office any of its officers or appointees when sufficient evidence is given for such action.

In both of the above instances, the person shall deliver to the Clerk all books or other Church property in his or her possession. It shall be the responsibility of the Clerk to see that this is carried out.

Section 4. No Influence. A member of this Church who shall endeavor to influence directly or indirectly the action of another member in the matter of elections or appointments, or who shall solicit members for any office or committee appointment, may be disciplined by the Board of Trustees as provided in Article VIII Discipline, Section 1 of these By-laws.

ARTICLE IX
Committee on Publication

Section 1. Cooperation of Members. It is the duty and privilege of this Church and the individual members thereof to cooperate actively in and give financial support to the work of the Committee on Publication.

ARTICLE X
Lecture

Section 1. Lecture. This Church shall hold an annual lecture in accordance with the Manual of The Mother Church.

Section 2. Joint Lecture. This Church may co-host a lecture with Christian Science Churches or Societies in close proximity and share financial responsibility as provided for in the Manual p. 94:1. Such joint lecture would be considered an annual lecture or an additional lecture.

ARTICLE XI
Reading Room

Section 1. Maintenance. This Church shall maintain a Reading Room in accordance with the Manual of The Mother Church.

Section 2. Literature Distribution. The Reading Room Librarian shall supervise promotion of books and periodicals, including during lectures.

ARTICLE XII
Sunday School

Section 1. Requirements. The Sunday School shall be under the direction of the Board of Trustees and shall in all respects conform to the requirements of the Manual of The Mother Church.

Section 2. Officers. The superintendent, assistant superintendent, and regular teachers of the Sunday School shall be members in good standing of this Church and of The Mother Church. Substitute teachers must be members of The Mother Church and earnest students of Christian Science.

Section 3. Nursery. Childcare workers and maintenance of the nursery shall be under the supervision of the Sunday School, including during church lectures and other events.

ARTICLE XIII
Committees

Section 1. Auditing Committee. This committee shall be appointed annually by the Board of Trustees to see that the books of the treasurer or custodian of any funds belonging to this Church are properly audited.

Section 2. Finance Committee. This committee shall be appointed annually by the Board of Trustees to count all cash and checks collected at the Sunday Services and at the Sunday School exercises, record the total received, and turn these funds over to the Church treasurer or treasurer's deputy. Ushers may also serve as the Finance Committee.

Section 3. Lecture Committee. This committee shall be appointed annually and as needed to make all arrangements for a Christian Science lecture, including selection of the speaker, the introducers, and the place where the lecture is to be held. The committee will consult with the Board of Trustees to determine the budget for the lecture.

Section 4. Maintenance and Beautification Committee. This committee shall be appointed annually and as needed to handle all repairs and improvements to Church property under supervision of the Board of Trustees. Maintenance and beautification shall include the Church grounds and parking lot.

Section 5. Membership Committee. A committee of not less than three experienced Christian Scientists shall be appointed annually and as needed by the Board of Trustees to interview applicants for membership in this Church. Each appointee shall be a member of The Mother Church and in good standing with this Church.

It is the duty of the Membership Committee to inquire into the fitness of all applicants for membership in this Church and report its findings to the Board of Trustees for its endorsement. The committee shall annually submit to the Board the questions which it considers important for use in interviewing the applicants.

Section 6. Technology Committee. This committee is responsible for purchasing and maintaining the equipment used for online services held in the church building including Wednesday and Sunday services and lectures. This committee serves as a resource for the Reading Room and Sunday School’s use of technology. The committee is available to train church participants in the use of technology for church services and lectures and to assist church officers in the use of technology for fulfilling their church duties.

Section 7. Other Committees. The Board of Trustees shall annually appoint any other committees deemed necessary to support Manual-established activities required of branch churches, to provide various services to Church members and attendants, and to further the Cause of Christian Science in the community.

Section 8. Reports of Committees. All committees shall make written reports of their activities to the membership at the annual meeting and to the Board of Trustees when called upon to do so.

Section 9. Supervision of Committees. The Board of Trustees shall have supervision over all committees. It may increase or decrease the number serving on them, with the exception of the Membership Committee for which specific provision is made. Members of committees shall serve until their successors are appointed and qualified.

ARTICLE XIV
Use of Church building

Section 1. Free use of the church building for activities not outlined elsewhere in these By-laws must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE XV
Amendment of By-laws and Articles of Incorporation

Section 1. Amendments and New By-laws. The By-laws of this Church may be amended or new By-laws adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a regular or special meeting called for that purpose by the Board of Trustees. Due notice of this meeting, together with a copy of the proposed changes, shall be given in writing to the members at least one week before the meeting.

Section 2. By-laws in Effect. These By-laws are in full force and effect on and after May 18, 2025. 

Section 3. Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation. Proposed amendments shall be approved first by the Board of Trustees and then submitted to a vote of the members at any regular or special meeting called for that purpose by the Board. Proposed amendments, with such changes as the members shall choose to make therein, shall be approved on the affirmative vote of three-fourths of those members present and voting at such meeting. Due notice of this meeting, together with a copy of the proposed changes, shall be given in writing to the members at least 30 days before the meeting.

ARTICLE XVI
Sale, Purchase or Rental of Church Building and Land

Section 1. Two-thirds Vote Required. When voting on such questions as the sale, purchase, or rental of a Church building and land, a two-thirds vote of those present and voting shall be required. Voting shall be by secret ballot with the number of votes counted in favor of or against the proposed action and recorded by the Clerk.

Section 2. Proper Notice. Due notice of the purpose of this meeting, to sell, purchase, or rent, shall be given in writing to the members at least 30 days before the meeting.

ARTICLE XVII
Changing to a Society, Merger, Consolidation, or Dissolution of Church

Section 1. Majority Vote Required of Board. The majority vote of the Board may propose the following actions to be voted upon by the membership:
(a) changing from “Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, New Orleans, Louisiana,” to a “Christian Science Society”
(b) merger or consolidation with another Christian Science Church or Christian Science Society (Manual, p. 72:16-19)
(c) dissolution.

Section 2. Two-thirds Vote Required of Membership. Actions to change to a society, merge, consolidate, or dissolve require a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at the meeting. Voting is by secret ballot with the number of votes counted in favor of or against the proposed action and recorded by the Clerk.

Section 3. Proper Notice. Due notice of the purpose of this meeting, to change to a society, merge, consolidate, or dissolve, shall be given in writing to the members at least 30 days before the meeting.

Section 4. Disposal of Assets. In case of dissolution of this Church, its assets are to be turned over to The Mother Church, to one of its branches, or to a nonprofit tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) promoting the cause of Christian Science.

5/18/2025